CONFIDENCE that Saltburn will meet tougher new standards for its bathing water has been expressed by George Dunning, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council.

He was responding to a question from East Cleveland Independent councillor Steve Kay.

Cllr Kay said a warning had been given that if Saltburn’s bathing water was not improved, it would be classified as “poor” under a new EC directive from 2015.

“If this occurs, the council will have to put up signs advising the public against swimming in the sea,” he said. “I find the situation particularly worrying, considering the numbers who come to Saltburn all the year round to enjoy the sea. Indeed, Saltburn promises to become a leading UK surfing centre - an opportunity that should not be missed.

“Like the mayor in the film, Jaws, are we to some extent in denial about what could emerge as an extremely serious problem for Saltburn as a tourist destination?”

He said Saltburn was a Victorian seaside town but its waters had to be of 21st Century standard.

Cllr Dunning said high level discussions had taken place between the council, Northumbria Water and the Environment Agency. The three organisations were working in partnership and water quality results at Saltburn in 2011 were as good as most seaside resorts in the UK.

He said he hoped the results would be maintained. “Tourism is critical to the economy of Saltburn,” he said.